Whose Cup Will You Fill?
I’ve watched a lot of Westerns in my day. John Wayne movies, Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and a slew of others. I’m still struck by the way they helped each other in times of need and the speed at which they reacted. A barn would burn and need rebuilding, fences would require mending, and sick folks had to be tended to. Regardless of who it was, friend, family or other, they always came to each other’s aid, providing much-needed relief in difficult times. They didn’t think about it. They simply reacted.
We are a community rich with caring, giving, and helping souls. We are known for how easily and abundantly we give to causes, both financially and of ourselves. My favourite book shares a lot about giving: do so with a cheerful heart, don’t expect anything in return, and give to your enemies and your friends alike. It also says don’t be pressured into giving and that there is no need to tell anyone that you gave. Just… give when your heart says to do so! I love that that’s who we are as a community.
While we don’t live in the days of the old west, the opportunities to help our neighbours are abundant. Sometimes we simply need a reminder of how we can make a difference. Caring builds and strengthens the community.
Many opportunities are right next door. Take a peek over your neighbour’s fence. Could they use a bit of muscle-stacking their wood? Do you know a senior whose lawn could use a mow or a whipper-snipping? Perhaps you’ve seen the disgraceful mess litter leaves (through the thoughtless actions of others) and you are able to take a few minutes to de-litter your own street. Did you visit a friend whose steps you noticed need repairing? Maybe you love to cook and know someone who would appreciate that banana bread, extra spaghetti sauce or bottle of pickles. There are those who would enjoy these things. And there are those who need them to survive, and we are surrounded by opportunities to make a difference.
Perhaps the fast pace of life leaves some unable to take the time to reach out, but you may be able to donate to a cause. It would be impossible to list all the needs that could do with a bit (or a lot) of support, but I’ll attempt to list just a few, hoping it will prompt us into thinking of the many others as well. You can reach out to these organizations or send me a note and I’ll point you in the right direction!
Food bank: run by volunteers, the food bank can always use either food or funds. No one ever needs to go hungry.
Aidaen’s Place
They provide a safe haven for kids 11-17 including lunches, bedtime snacks and more. Reach out to see what would be of the best use to them and deliver it to their doorstep… you can’t miss it: it’s the Purple House.
SHYFT
A transition house for youth from ages 16-24, the team here provides a wide range of services that are desperately needed. Food, funds, toiletries… ask them how you can help. They will be so very grateful.
Juniper House
A transition house for women. I don’t need to say more than that. Just grateful they are providing this much-needed service and sad that they have to.
Meadowfields Playground: the Province does not fund school playgrounds. This is confusing as the socialization of children when on the playground together is life-changing. Donating to this worthy cause will make a difference.
Good Grub Group
This group of volunteers regularly provides meals to seniors. Everything is donated locally and provides for our seniors, so consider giving.
Yarmouth County Museum (and others): It’s tremendously important we document our history through stories and artifacts. But museums have to raise funds to do their work. Let’s give them some assistance!
JSTRONG
The most beautiful legacy came from the saddest of events but now many children can be involved in sports because of this fund and the committed individuals who continue to push this cause.
GoFundMe: There are plenty of GFM opportunities online and giving to those you feel strongly about is a great way to help those in need.
Community Asset Donation Program
You can donate towards a park bench, tree or other community asset through the Town of Yarmouth. Many have donated in the name of a loved one.
VON, Red Cross, Lions Club, HOPE Centre, Salvation Army, local churches and many more will put our donations to great use. They’re the experts.
When talking about giving, I often reference the Splash Park team. They did it right. They had a plan. They rallied the community, the community gave, they applied for grants and searched out every opportunity for funding. That is how it’s done. Community supporting community. By the time this goes to print, kids will be splashing in the park that the community built. Gosh, that makes my heart swell!
When my three children were younger, they’d see me put change into cups or guitar cases. One of them said, “Mom, how do you know he won’t buy drugs or alcohol and not food like he said he needed?” My answer was quick and simple, “It’s not up to us to judge or police that part. It’s up to us to give when our hearts tell us to, then let it go. Not surprisingly, I have three cup fillers.
Whose cup will you fill today with some extra change or a good deed? Don’t feel the need to do or give to everything. Choose one or two that you connect with. And remember, whether you give $1 or $10,000, ten minutes or ten hours, trust me when I say every penny, every minute, counts.
As Anne Frank said, “No one has ever become poor by giving!” Indeed, we are MUCH richer for it.
From the Mayor’s Desk is a regular column from Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood that serves to inform residents and celebrate community.